Hi, Ashley,

While Alki in general is not that great for shorebirds, a pretty reliable
area for Surfbirds and Black Turnstones is the rocks on the seawall right
around Duwamish Head (usually the east side).

In past winters the beach south of the Alki Lighthouse has been fairly good
for Sanderlings, but this winter they have been considerably fewer in number
and much less faithful to that area.

On the main Alki Beach area, shorebirds are a hit-and-miss proposition.

In migration, we may see small numbers of other shorebirds, but the
occasions are always brief. I hope others can give you better suggestions!


Gary T. Smith
Alki Point, Seattle


-----Original Message-----
From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Ashley
Jensen
Sent: Friday, March 30, 2012 12:56 AM
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Tweeters] "Winter" Shorebirds

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for any good shorebird spots. I've heard the whole gray's harbor
area is great, and I also realize migration has just barely begun. Anyone
starting to see any shorebird migrants?
My other question (if anyone knows), is: are there any realizable spots
within Puget sound (preferably eastern side) to see "wintering" or year
round shorebird species? Like surfbirds, turnstones, rock sandpipers etc?
I tried Alki beach today. No shorebirds. Lots of Brants, pelagic cormies,
sea ducks, some guillemots and a few harlequin ducks. But no shorebirds. Did
I just have bad luck (maybe because it was pouring rain all day) or are
these birds moving to different areas?
Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Ashley Jensen
Monroe, WA
SMashley_138 AT yahoo.com

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